The Atlas Obscura Podcast Under Our Feet: Upton Chamber
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Sep 24, 2025 Explore an enigmatic underground chamber in Upton, Massachusetts, shrouded in age-old mysteries. Discover dating techniques revealing its pre-colonial origins while the hidden Indigenous connections and colonial narratives come to light. Delve into the preservation efforts by area tribes and the cultural significance tied to the land. The ongoing debate around sharing and protecting these historical sites showcases the challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Uncover a rich tapestry of history beneath our feet, where each stone tells a story.
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Entering The Ceremonial Chamber
- Doug Harris, Kathy Weaver-Taylor, and Abigail enter a water‑pooled, narrow hallway into a ten‑foot stone dome called a husanek.
- The chamber felt prepared and ceremonial, not a natural cave, during their visit.
Scientific Dating Challenges Old Theories
- A geologist dated quartz grains and found most predate colonization, challenging colonial origin theories.
- Many earlier explanations ignored Indigenous craftsmanship despite evidence pointing to older local construction.
Emotional Recognition Of Ancestral Site
- Cheryl Andrews-Maltais described a physical, emotional reaction when she first saw the chamber, saying her hair rose as if ancestors were speaking.
- She explained chambers serve varied ceremonial purposes, like tracking solstices or celestial events.